Isaac Cooper denies taking ‘banned substances’ after being kicked off Australian Commonweath Games team – صحيفة الصوت

Swimmer Isaac Cooper says he is “pretty low” after being banished from Australia’s Commonwealth Games squad, but says he did not take a banned substance.

The Australian backstroke champion was sent home from a pre-Games swim camp in France this week.

Swimming Australia said Cooper was sent home “following some wellbeing challenges, including the use of medication”.

“My misuse of medication was not banned substances (sic),” Cooper said in an Instagram post.

“It was ultimately my wellbeing and mental health that resulted in me going home.

“I am grateful to Swimming Australia for helping to identify an issue and offering their support and resources to help me.”

Cooper was sent home from the Australian swimming team’s camp in Chartres ahead of arriving in Birmingham this weekend for the Commonwealth Games, starting on July 28.

The 18-year-old had been favoured to win gold medals in the 50 metres and 100 metres backstroke events. He is the Commonwealth’s top-ranked swimmer in both events.

“I’ve had to undergo a lot of self-reflection and examination,” he wrote.

“The decision made to send me home was based on my behaviour and mental health and was made in my best interest and that of the team competing at the Commonwealth Games.”

The specific medication that Cooper used has not been revealed but he said there were “two sides to the story”.

“More than anything I wish I could be there, racing with my team and cheering them on,” he wrote.

“The team means so much to me and I have made friends for life but the decision was not made in the interest of the next few weeks, rather the interest for the future of my swimming career.

“For the next few weeks I will be reflecting and resetting for the future.

“There are always two sides to a story and I shall continue to work positively and confidentially with Swimming Australia.”

AAP